Best Romantic Dining in Portland

10 most romantic restaurants in Portland, Oregon


It's that time of year again when everyone is looking to add a little romance into their lives and the easiest way to do this is to take that someone you love out for a romantic evening. It is even easier to do in a city like Portland where there is an abundance of romantic restaurants to choose from.

We sorted through the Portland restaurants and selected the ones with the most romantic atmosphere, not the most expensive menu. In Portland, you can literally find a romantic restaurant on any budget big or small. 

All the restaurants that have been selected have that special something that makes them more romantic than others in the city. For example, Radar is a dimly lit, cozy restaurant with wonderful food. Terrane Italian Kitchen & Bar makes our list because of its intimate warmth and tremendous food. Look through our top ten most romantic restaurants and find the perfect one for you and your love. 


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Scotch Lodge is a whiskey bar with fantastic modern French-inspired food. This cozy welcoming spot has everything one looks for; a fun atmosphere, an amazing whiskey selection, great service, exceptional cocktails, and food that will have you coming back for more. Kick your meal off with fried brie and the Namesake cocktail a combination of smoky islay whisky, cherry liqueur, sweet vermouth, amaro, and orange bitters. From there know that whatever you order will be wonderful because all of the food is excellent. You do not need a reservation but it never hurts to have one especially on the weekend.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Scotch Lodge makes the list because it has it all, a good ambiance, wonderful food, and yummy cocktails.

Local Expert tip: If you are unsure what to get sit at the bar and talk to Katsu who can guide you through.

Read more about Scotch Lodge →




Le Pigeon serves adventurous French-inspired food along with a wide variety of exciting wines in an intimate dining room on East Burnside. Reservations are accepted at one of the communal tables. There is also a chef's counter - 10 seats that wrap around the open kitchen - which is available on a walk-in basis. A typical dinner could include Pigeon Wonton, Duck Mu Shu, Creme Brulee, Seared Foie Gras pork and octopus shumai, and much more. Le Pigeon uses quality ingredients from local sources. They also offer a vegetarian tasting menu as well for those that want to skip the meat.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Le Pigeon is often celebrated as one of the best restaurants by Portland locals and features an ever-changing menu.

Meagan's expert tip: Give yourself a treat and splurge on the 5-course tasting menu.

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Domaine Serene offers seasonal French-American cuisine inspired by the wines in a relaxing atmosphere. Here you will enjoy meticulously prepared dishes made with quality and precision just like their award-winning wines. The goal of each dish is to elevate and complement the glass of wine you have with it. From caviar and oysters to Wagyu steak frites and Pinot Noir braised short ribs it's all designed to be paired perfectly with the wine they recommend to go with it. If you visit on a Thursday you can enjoy live music with local musicians from 4-6 pm. If possible make a reservation in advance. Walkins are always welcome as well.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Domaine Serene offers a cozy atmosphere to enjoy lovely food and wine with a loved one.

Meagan's expert tip: Unless you are a wine club member, they charge a $10 corkage fee if you buy a bottle to drink.

Read more about Domaine Serene Wine Lounge →


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6
Northeast Portland

Ox is a delightful Argentine restaurant in North East Portland with a focus on grilled meats locally sourced, cooked over an open fire like Grilled Short Ribs, House Chorizo & Morcilla Sausages, Skirt Steak, and Sweetbreads. All meat orders come with complimentary bread with chimichurri dipping sauce. They also have seasonal fish available. The menu also provides many options for vegetarians including salads, fried potatoes, cauliflower soup, and many more options. It's hard to believe the desserts are just as good as their meats. From the warm hazelnut brown butter torte to the Lemon Brioche bread pudding to their assorted cheese boards it's all wonderful.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Ox is one of the best restaurants in Portland Oregon and it's extremely romantic.

Meagan's expert tip: Try the Asado Argentino dinner for two if you're unsure what to order.

Read more about Ox →


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King Tide Fish and Shell is one of the newest seafood restaurants in Portland, located inside RiverPlace hotel with stunning views of the river. King Tide offers classic American seafood classics dishes, like clam chowder and lobster rolls, with a Pacific Northwest twist. Chef Romero is brilliant at layering fresh ingredients to create unique combinations. We recommend the lobster roll, it is to die for, made with a black brioche roll made in house and tinted with squid ink. They have a raw bar with a variety of options including assorted oysters, the flavorful Kampachi Tiradito, and a savory seasonal poke. For non-seafood guests, they have lots of options including an incredible dry-aged ribeye.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: King Tide Fish and Shell offers a romantic fine dining experience with wonderful views of the river.

Meagan's expert tip: If you are unsure what to order ask the waiter about the chef's favorites.

Read more about King Tide Fish and Shell →


4
Southeast Portland

Quaintrelle is a cozy restaurant with exquisite food and their prixe fixe menu is perfect for a romantic date for two. The menu changes seasonally and the ingredients are locally sourced as much as possible. The chef is an absolute whiz with salads and vegetables. For example, they take all the best offerings of the fall season and turn them into exquisite plates like the apples, celery, pine nuts, currants, shiso, and breadcrumbs. Even the appetizers highlight the seasonal harvest like in the fall with choices like sweet potato and broccoli tempura, chili honey, smoked pecorino. Happy hour is available Wednesday - Saturday 5:00-6:30 and Sundays 5:00-9:00.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Quaintrelle is the perfect spot for a intimate date in north Portland, Oregon.

Meagan's expert tip: Kick off your meal with one of their seasonal fried rice dishes. Hopefully they have the lobster fried rice available when you visit.

Read more about Quaintrelle →




Mucca Osteria is an intimate Italian eatery in downtown Portland, Oregon. This hidden gem is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner but is often overlooked. The menu here changes seasonally to highlight what's in season through perfectly crafted pasta dishes. Chef Simone Savaiano is a native of Rome and this is reflected in every dish. At Mucca Osteria you will find some of the most authentic Italian cuisine in Portland. Here you can enjoy pasta dishes like Tagliatelle Porcini e Tartufo a housemade egg Tagliatelle pasta with Porcini mushrooms and burgundy truffles or Risotto all' Astice e Bisque alla Franciacorta which is risotto with lobster bisque.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Mucca Osteria is a cozy Italian dining spot in downtown Portland perfect for a date night.

Meagan's expert tip: Try the steak. For an Italian restaurant it is surprising to find one of the best steaks in town.

Read more about Mucca Osteria →


One restaurant that appears on just about everybody's best-of Portland list is Andina. With the tagline, "A Taste of Peru in the Pearl," Andina has taken traditional South American cuisine to the level of fine art. Located in the heart of Portland's Pearl District, the neighborhood is comprised of boutique shops, art galleries and old industrial buildings converted into high-end lofts. Andina has a formal dining room and a more casual bar featuring live, Latin-influenced music every night of the week. Though Andina is one of the more expensive restaurants in Portland, most diners agree that the food and attentive service is well worth the cost. The tapas menu, happy hour and lunch offerings make sampling Andina food affordable for almost anyone.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Andina is a beautiful lively restaurant that is perfect for romantic night out.

Meagan's expert tip: On weekend nights, public transportation maybe the most convenient way to travel to the Pearl.

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Terrane is a warm inviting Italian restaurant in downtown Portland with an open kitchen where they are hard at work to hit all the seasonal highlights and serve the freshest dishes reflecting cuisine from all over Italy. They make all pasta in house and their pea pasta is phenomenal. Terrane serves Italian wines along with wines from the Pacific Northwest. They even have an exclusive Pinot Noir Sparkling rose by Elk Cove. In addition to wine, they offer creative cocktails and make their own Limoncello. Save room for dessert like the Burrata Cheesecake made with Barolo pears and pistachio shortbread. All of their desserts are just as good as the pasta. Terrane is also open for breakfast and lunch.

Recommended for Romantic Dining because: Terrane Italian Kitchen & Bar has incredible Italian and the perfect date night atmosphere.

Meagan's expert tip: It's a small restaurant, so make a reservation in advance to ensure you get a table.

Read more about Terrane Italian Kitchen & Bar →


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Meet Meagan Wristen

Meagan Wristen is an Oregon resident by choice and thinks Portland is a tremendous city that everyone should visit. Originally a Texas girl, she has lived all around the United States,...  More About Meagan

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